'The Joy Of Being Poor' by Robert Service
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I
Let others sing of gold and gear, the joy of being rich;
But oh, the days when I was poor, a vagrant in a ditch!
When every dawn was like a gem, so radiant and rare,
And I had but a single coat, and not a single care;
When I would feast right royally on bacon, bread and beer,
And dig into a stack of hay and doze like any peer;
When I would wash beside a brook my solitary shirt,
And though it dried upon my back I never took a hurt;
When I went romping down the road contemptuous of care,
And slapped Adventure on the back -- by Gad! we were a pair;
When, though my pockets lacked a coin, and though my coat was old,
The largess of the stars was mine, and all the sunset gold;
When time was only made for fools, and free as air was I,
And hard I hit and hard I lived beneath the open sky;
When all the roads were one to me, and each had its allure . . .
Ye Gods! these were the happy days, the days when I was poor.
II
Or else, again, old pal of mine, do you recall the times
You struggled with your storyettes, I wrestled with my rhymes;
Oh, we were happy, were we not? -- we used to live so "high"
(A little bit of broken roof between us and the sky);
Upon the forge of art we toiled with hammer and with tongs;
You told me all your rippling yarns, I sang to you my songs.
Our hats were frayed, our jackets patched, our boots were down at heel,
But oh, the happy men were we, although we lacked a meal.
And if I sold a bit of rhyme, or if you placed a tale,
What feasts we had of tenderloins and apple-tarts and ale!
And yet how often we would dine as cheerful as you please,
Beside our little friendly fire on coffee, bread and cheese.
We lived upon the ragged edge, and grub was never sure,
But oh, these were the happy days, the days when we were poor.
III
Alas! old man, we're wealthy now, it's sad beyond a doubt;
We cannot dodge prosperity, success has found us out.
Your eye is very dull and drear, my brow is creased with care,
We realize how hard it is to be a millionaire.
The burden's heavy on our backs -- you're thinking of your rents,
I'm worrying if I'll invest in five or six per cents.
We've limousines, and marble halls, and flunkeys by the score,
We play the part . . . but say, old chap, oh, isn't it a bore?
We work like slaves, we eat too much, we put on evening dress;
We've everything a man can want, I think . . . but happiness.
Come, let us sneak away, old chum; forget that we are rich,
And earn an honest appetite, and scratch an honest itch.
Let's be two jolly garreteers, up seven flights of stairs,
And wear old clothes and just pretend we aren't millionaires;
And wonder how we'll pay the rent, and scribble ream on ream,
And sup on sausages and tea, and laugh and loaf and dream.
And when we're tired of that, my friend, oh, you will come with me;
And we will seek the sunlit roads that lie beside the sea.
We'll know the joy the gipsy knows, the freedom nothing mars,
The golden treasure-gates of dawn, the mintage of the stars.
We'll smoke our pipes and watch the pot, and feed the crackling fire,
And sing like two old jolly boys, and dance to heart's desire;
We'll climb the hill and ford the brook and camp upon the moor . . .
Old chap, let's haste, I'm mad to taste the Joy of Being Poor.
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Joy of Being Poor: A Literary Masterpiece
When it comes to poetry, Robert Service is a name that resonates with many poetry lovers around the world. He is known for his knack for weaving words into beautiful, thought-provoking poems that leave readers in awe. One of his most remarkable works is "The Joy of Being Poor." In this 4000-word literary criticism and interpretation, we'll explore the various aspects of this masterpiece, from its themes to its use of literary devices.
The Themes of "The Joy of Being Poor"
At its core, "The Joy of Being Poor" is a poem about finding happiness in simplicity. The speaker in the poem talks about how he is content with the little he has and how he doesn't need material possessions to be happy. The theme of contentment is evident throughout the poem, and the speaker is portrayed as someone who is at peace with himself and his circumstances.
Another theme that is prominent in the poem is the idea of freedom. The speaker talks about how he is free from the worries that come with wealth and how he can do whatever he wants without having to worry about the consequences. This theme ties in with the idea of contentment, as the speaker is content with his life and doesn't feel the need to chase after material possessions or societal expectations.
The Use of Literary Devices in "The Joy of Being Poor"
One of the things that make "The Joy of Being Poor" a literary masterpiece is its use of literary devices. From its use of metaphors to its rhyme scheme, the poem is a perfect example of how literary devices can enhance a poem's meaning.
One of the most prominent literary devices in the poem is the use of metaphors. The speaker compares material possessions to "fetters that chafe and bind" and describes the rich as "slaves to a life of care." These metaphors not only create vivid imagery but also reinforce the theme of contentment and freedom.
Another literary device that is used in the poem is the rhyme scheme. The poem follows an ABAB rhyme scheme, which gives it a sing-song quality. This rhyme scheme not only makes the poem memorable but also emphasizes the speaker's message of finding joy in simplicity.
The Poem's Structure and Tone
"The Joy of Being Poor" is a short poem that consists of four stanzas, each with four lines. The poem's structure is simple, which is fitting for its message of finding happiness in simplicity. The tone of the poem is lighthearted and optimistic, which is reinforced by its sing-song quality. The speaker's tone is one of contentment and satisfaction, and he comes across as someone who has found the secret to a happy life.
The Poem's Historical Context
"The Joy of Being Poor" was written in the early 20th century, a time when the world was undergoing significant changes. It was a time of industrialization and urbanization, and many people were leaving the countryside to seek their fortunes in the cities. This poem can be seen as a response to this trend, as the speaker talks about how he is content with his simple life and doesn't feel the need to chase after material possessions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "The Joy of Being Poor" is a literary masterpiece that explores the themes of contentment and freedom. Through its use of metaphors, rhyme scheme, and simple structure, the poem conveys a powerful message about finding happiness in simplicity. Robert Service's poem is a timeless piece of literature that continues to resonate with readers today, and its message is as relevant now as it was when it was first written.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Joy of Being Poor: An Ode to Simplicity and Contentment
Robert Service, the renowned poet and writer, has penned down a masterpiece that celebrates the beauty of simplicity and contentment. The Joy of Being Poor is a classic poem that captures the essence of a life lived without the trappings of wealth and material possessions. In this 2000-word analysis, we will delve deep into the poem's themes, structure, and language to understand its significance and relevance in today's world.
The poem begins with the speaker proclaiming the joys of being poor. He says that the poor have nothing to lose and everything to gain. They do not have to worry about the burdens of wealth and the responsibilities that come with it. They are free to live life on their own terms, without the constraints of society's expectations. The speaker's tone is one of excitement and enthusiasm, as he extols the virtues of a life lived without the trappings of materialism.
The first stanza sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as the speaker describes the simple pleasures of life that the poor can enjoy. He talks about the joy of walking barefoot on the grass, of feeling the sun on your face, and of breathing in the fresh air. These are all things that money cannot buy, and the speaker is quick to point out that the poor are the ones who can truly appreciate them.
In the second stanza, the speaker talks about the freedom that comes with being poor. He says that the poor are not bound by the rules and regulations that govern the lives of the rich. They are free to do as they please, without fear of judgment or retribution. The speaker's language is poetic and evocative, as he describes the poor as "wild as the wind" and "free as the eagle."
The third stanza is perhaps the most poignant of all, as the speaker talks about the beauty of simplicity. He says that the poor do not need the trappings of wealth to be happy. They can find joy in the simplest of things, like a warm fire on a cold night or a good book to read. The speaker's language is simple and direct, as he describes the poor as "rich in contentment" and "happy in their lot."
The fourth stanza is a celebration of the natural world, as the speaker talks about the beauty of the countryside. He says that the poor are the ones who truly appreciate the beauty of nature, as they are the ones who live closest to it. The speaker's language is vivid and descriptive, as he paints a picture of rolling hills, babbling brooks, and fields of wildflowers.
The fifth and final stanza is a call to action, as the speaker urges the reader to embrace the joys of being poor. He says that we should all strive to live a life of simplicity and contentment, free from the trappings of materialism. The speaker's language is passionate and persuasive, as he implores the reader to "cast off the yoke of gold" and "embrace the joy of being poor."
In terms of structure, the poem is divided into five stanzas, each with four lines. The rhyme scheme is AABB, which gives the poem a simple and straightforward rhythm. The language is poetic and evocative, with vivid imagery and powerful metaphors. The poem is written in a conversational tone, as if the speaker is talking directly to the reader.
The themes of the poem are simplicity, contentment, and the beauty of nature. The speaker is urging the reader to embrace a life of simplicity and to find joy in the simplest of things. He is also celebrating the beauty of nature and the importance of living close to it. The poem is a call to action, urging the reader to cast off the trappings of materialism and embrace a life of simplicity and contentment.
In conclusion, The Joy of Being Poor is a classic poem that celebrates the beauty of simplicity and contentment. Robert Service's language is poetic and evocative, with vivid imagery and powerful metaphors. The poem is a call to action, urging the reader to embrace a life of simplicity and to find joy in the simplest of things. The themes of the poem are timeless and relevant, and the poem's message is as important today as it was when it was first written.
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